It is very difficult to visit France in 10 days only, and even more to choose the places to visit for a France train tour… But as nothing is impossible, here is my itinerary to visit France in 10 days by train !

This proposed tour is just a model that I share with you to give you an idea and help you build your own itinerary. It can be different depending on traffic, strikes, changes in schedules, deviations…

My route in France by train – DAY 4

Built in the heart of the biggest closed forest park in Europe, Chambord castle is the largest and the most harmonious castle in Loire Valley.

14h30 – Taxi for Mer train station (15 minutes)

15h09 – Train Mer – Amboise (St Pierre) 30 minutes

3h43 – Arrival in Amboise

Visit Amboise Castle (1h00)

Amboise with its Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an architectural jewel of the Renaissance located on the banks of the Loire River.

Hotel installation – Night in Amboise

Hotel in Amboise – Le Manoir Saint Thomas

Perfect to spend a night in a castle as if you lived in the 16th century ! This is a luxurious and beautiful place in a historic setting. Ideally located in Amboise, a few steps from the Castle, this hotel has a very nice swimming pool and modern comfort in its manor house. For only 100 Euros the night !

Best hotel in Bordeaux – Coté Cour de L’Hôtel Particulier

In Bordeaux, I must advise you a beautiful accommodation in the historic center and near all the main sites to visit. This is not an hotel but a guest house.The elegant rooms are fully equipped but you can also order breakfasts.

It is situated in the centre between the Grand Théâtre and Saint-Andre’s Cathedral. From The Coté Cour de l’Hotel Particulier, it’s only five-minute walk to many of the sights, to shopping on the Cours de l’Intendance, to busy Place Gambetta or to the chic bars and restaurants behind Place de la Bourse.

This is in my opinion the best choice of accommodation in Bordeaux for a small to medium budget.

My route in France by train – DAY 8

Day Trip to Carcassonne by bus from Toulouse. In the center of Toulouse, you can take a bus (30 Euros round trip) that will take you to discover the city of Carcassonne, the castle Comtal and the basilica Saint Nazaire. Be carreful : These excursions are only available on Fridays in summer and on Sundays in spring and autumn.Link for reservation

At about 80 km east of Toulouse, the Medieval City is a fortified city unlike any other in Europe, on account of its size and its state of preservation. Its history is marked by 2000 years of conquest and by the imprint of Catharism and the Crusades. The Cité de Carcassonne is one of the most beautiful medieval cities in the world, listed as a Historical Monument and a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

I don’t know how much time you will have but if you have 2, 3 or 5 days more, it would be interesting to go to Provence. For this you will have take a train from Carcassonne to Avignon. The train from Carcassonne to Avignon takes about 4h40 (departure at 6h45 arriving at 11h22). Then you can follow from Avignon my itinerary : https://blogforfrance.com/10-days-in-south-of-france-by-train/

Hello I am planning a trip to France for May 2020, have 20 days to spend, want to use the train. Would like to visit Rocamadour, Sarlat, Carcassonne, and south of France. Open to suggestions as to the best use of our 20 days! would like time to spend in each location and some rest days too

thank you Karine I am looking forward to your article. I have visited the Dordogne and Lot valley spending 5 days there, and have been to Paris twice, but want to spend plenty of time exploring this beautiful country, with your help of course! Just completed a 3 week rain tour starting in Paris, Bologne, Rome, Sicily (via the ferry train) and Malta, so have the bug